Mr Fantasy: Western Bulldogs

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WESTERN BULLDOGS
There wasn't much to like about the Bulldogs last season. They lost their last 11 games, slumping to their worst ladder position (15th) since 2003. But, from a fantasy perspective, there was always Matthew Boyd. The skipper won more possessions than anyone else in the competition on the way to a third best and fairest in four years, dropping below 25 touches just twice. Even at age 30, he is as safe a pick as there is in this game. Elsewhere, look for new Dogs Jackson Macrae and Nathan Hrovat to receive some gametime in their first season at the top level. Mature-age recruit Brett Goodes also seems likely to play a role, and with his dual position status, he could shape as one of the must-haves of the season at just $121,300. – Mark Macgugan

LAST YEAR'S TOP SCORERS
Matthew Boyd2012 AFL Fantasy average score: 1152013 AFL Fantasy Dream Team price: $593,7002013 AFL Fantasy position: Mid Mr Fantasy says: The competition’s leading Dream Team player in 2012 with a whopping 2535 points. Works extremely hard and worth the fee.

Ryan Griffen
2012 average score: 972013 price: $500,5002013 position: MidMr Fantasy says: Senior member of the midfield and handled role well last season with 13 scores of 90 or more. Nice option.

Will Minson
2012 average score: 862013 price: $445,3002013 position: RucMr Fantasy says: A very handy average of more than 86 for a ruckman last season. Certainly not the worst choice in the big-man department.

Liam Picken
2012 average score: 762013 price: $391,1002013 position: MidMr Fantasy says: Usually plays as a stopper but still managed a handy average of 76 last year. Expect a similar output in 2013.

Mitch Wallis
2012 average score: 832013 price: $427,6002013 position: MidMr Fantasy says: Youngster who will continue to improve. Already managed an average of better than 80 last year. Worth some thought.
Daniel Cross
2012 average score: 912013 price: $470,7002013 position: MidMr Fantasy says: Ball magnet who scored more than 100 eight times last year. Does handball a lot, which can sometimes hinder ability to score really heavily.

Robert Murphy
2012 average score: 702013 price: $360,9002013 position: DefMr Fantasy says: Only managed three scores above 100 last season and dropped almost $70,000 in price. I’d pass.

Shaun Higgins
2012 average score: 772013 price: $396,2002013 position: FwdMr Fantasy says: Has been a popular Dream Team choice for a few seasons now, but he reached triple figures once last year. Pass.

Tom Liberatore
2012 average score: 782013 price: $401,3002013 position: MidMr Fantasy says: Like Wallis, Liberatore is a young Bulldog who can only improve on an already handy average of almost 80.

Luke Dahlhaus
2012 average score: 752013 price: $384,3002013 position: FwdMr Fantasy says: Livewire with a handy average of 74 last season. Expect peaks and troughs in his scoring for 2013.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs